Welcome to Let’s Go on a Hike! Here I’ll have weekly reviews on hikes throughout Michigan (and maybe beyond). Questions like: Can I trail run this path? How much parking is available? How difficult is this trail? and many more will be answered!
The Basics
Chapel Beach is located in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and is a 6.8 mile loop trail, though there are many other trails in this area to hike and backpack. This trail has slight elevation change, at about 400ft.
The trail head is located off of CR-H58, it is a dirt road with LOTS of divots and potholes, be cautious while driving, especially if your vehicle sits low to the ground.
The trail goes through a forest, past Chapel Lake and Chapel Falls, out to Lake Superior, along the cliffs and then a beach, looping back into the forest. Parking available right at the trail head in a parking lot. Parking is extremely limited. This is a very popular trail for backpackers and hikers.
We arrived just after sunrise and the parking lot was almost full. By the time we left (just before noon) there were cars parked along the road for over 2 miles before the trailhead.
The trail is wide enough for 2 people, sometimes just 1. Dogs are NOT allowed. There is no entrance fee for day hikers, you must have a permit if you are backpacking/camping.
The Highlights
A beautiful dense forest. Views of Chapel lake are gorgeous, especially with the fall colors. There are many view points of Chapel falls, my two favorite are: 1. looking directly over the falls and down into the gorge, and 2. from across the falls, looking head onto them.
Once you get out to Lake Superior, the views speak for themselves. The cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are spectacular and the gorgeous fall colors left my sister and I speechless. Chapel rock is also extremely magnificent.
You can access Chapel Beach by stairs along the trail, this was a great resting point, you’re just over 1/2 through with the hike and what better than to sit on the beach, enjoy the view, and enjoy a snack and some water.
The Warnings
Like I mentioned previously, this trail is very popular. Parking is limited and fills quickly.
This area does have active black bears so please pack out your trash.
Cellphone service is pretty non-existent when you are at the trailhead and throughout the entire hike, make sure you let someone know where you are going ahead of time.
Summary
Yes
Children (5+)
Camping (permit required)
Parking (very limited)
Trail Running (moderate)
Restroom
No
Entrance Fee
Water
Dogs
